President’s message – Summer 2026

Rachel Collishaw

We’re so excited to share our new publications with teachers across the country! While I hope that you will take the time you need over the summer to rest and recharge, I also hope that you will find some time to explore these two new resources, and those of our partners and get inspired for the next school year.

Firstly, we have published Deepening the Dialogue: A Teacher Discussion Guide for Valley of the Birdtail. Last year, we gave away hundreds of copies of this important book at social studies conferences across the country. Many of you may have heard the authors speak about why they wrote this powerful book about the history of racism, resilience and reconciliation in our education systems. Read Shelley Kirkvold’s article explaining how this teacher discussion guide will help you generate open dialogue, respectful listening and collaborative learning in your school or setting. The guide will be shortly available in French and the book itself will also be available in French this spring.

Secondly, our new lesson: Korean Women: A historical inquiry is available to download in French and English. Supported by the Academy of Korean Studies in Korea and reviewed by educators and Korean women in Canada, it engages students in developing a response to the compelling question: In Korea’s history, were women subjects or actors? Read more in Diane Vautour’s article about the wealth of primary sources spanning three periods in Korean history, and how you could use the resource in a variety of social studies disciplines and settings.

Lastly, I would encourage you to read Kevin Lopuck’s well-researched article, “Social studies as neutral?” (republished from The Conversation Canada) to bolster your spirit in these trying times. He sheds light on why social studies is important and why it is more important than ever to continue to engage your students thoughtfully in dialogue about contentious issues.